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Tag Archives: Birds of Prey

Angel Yearbook (IDW). I am still planning on writing a separate post about the IDW Anglverse.

Birds of Prey #12 (DC). Well, just playing out the string now.

B.P.R.D.: The Dead Remembered #3 (Dark Horse). Liz is forced to feel the full potential of her power, but also gets to be a kid. A nice story from Mike Mignola et al, and I see that more Liz is on the way.

Carbon Grey #3 (Image). Lots of atmospherics and deep mythology, which, I guess is enough, because I will be looking for the next mini.

Generation Hope #7 (Marvel). An affirming ending. I also like Kieron Gillen’s use of Kitty in these last few issues.

Hellboy: Being Human & Hellboy: The Fury #1 (Dark Horse). A creepy Southern gothic one-shot and the start of a new major arc in the Hellboy saga. A good month from Dark Horse.

iZombie #14 (DC/Vertigo). Finally picking up on the change in title formatting. I can see the different threads coming together in the narrative here, including the Dead Presidents.

The Li’l Depressed Boy #4 (Image). A revelation that suggests Jazz is not a Manic Pixie Dream Girl for sure. Now, the key will be how does LDB handle this news.

S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 (Marvel). I am a little confused by the numbering here, but am happy for the contuation of the epic craziness that is this book.

Silver Surfer #4 (Marvel). More on this next month when the series wraps.

Spider-Girl #7 (Marvel). Penultimate issue. More next month.

Sir Edward Grey, Witchfinder: Lost and Gone Forever #5 (Dark Horse). Part of the good month from Dark Horse, and I guess the were buffalo was real. Don’t have as much to write about this as I thought I would, but I look forward to more Edward Grey books. These stories help to expand the historical range of the Hellboy universe.

X-23 # 10 and #11 (Marvel). Happy/sad that these issues did not convince me to keep pulling the title. Happy because I need to economize on comics, sad because I would like to get behind the book.

Uncanny X-Force #10 and #11 (Marvel). New storyline focused on Warren, alternate realities, and Dark Beast. This title remains very cool.

Uncanny X-Men #537 (Marvel). Kruun’s revenge continues. Lots of action. More well plotted and paced work from Kieron Gillen.

X-Men: Prelude to Schism #2 (Marvel). Talky.

Longer take:

Avengers Academy #14 and #14.1 (Marvel). As I remark most months, this is A’s book, but I enjoy it, too. I’m always happy to see a stable creative team on a title, and this one has clearly benefitted as Sean Chen, Scott Hanna, and Jeromy Cox have been given time to create distinct identities for the characters, and Christos Gage has been allowed to explore a set of themes related to heroism and celebrity that I don’t think would have registered as clearly as they have without a coherent vision for the book. What started as a pull for my kid, has turned into one of my more consistent reads. Nice work.

TPBs:

Approximate Continuum Comics (Fantagraphics).

Forthcoming.

Batgirl: The Flood (DC).

Forthcoming.

ClonkVolume 1 (Kettledrummer Books).

Forthcoming.

DV8: Gods and Monsters (DC). Brian Wood uses these characters to ask questions about “powers” and how people see themselves and are seen by others and how that dynamic shapes identity. I especially like the subtle variations in how the central cast respond to the situation that they are put in by the Powers that Be. Gorgeous, powerful art by Rebekah Isaacs.

Even the Giants (AdHouse).

Forthcoming.

Hellblazer: City of Demons (DC/Vertigo).

Forthcoming.

Mystique by Brian K. Vaughn Ultimate Collection (Marvel).

Forthcoming.

Osborn: Evil Incarnated (Marvel).

Forthcoming.

X-Men: Age of Apocalypse Prelude (Marvel).

Some horrendous art in the first half of the book, bizzare, plastic-y anatomy on the women. Gets better. One of those collections that helps me to fill in some of my missing history.

Yeah! (Fanatagraphics).

It is probably due to the infectious power of Gilbert Hernandez’s art that this book feels a lot like a lost “Love & Rockets” chapter. The fact that I only having a passing familiarity with Peter Bagge’s work undoubtedly contributes to that feeling, too. There’s so much going on in the faces of the characters here, including in the background, tongues sticking out, eyes dilating, mouths agape – lots of fun. Strangely, I still found reading the book kind of exhausting, lots of chatter and narration to read, full of crazy asides and whacked out science fiction fantasy, but thick. Many of the ideas about, for example, space limos and odd planets, also seems very Los Bros Hernandez, and suggests that maybe(?) more of a joint authorship than the credits imply. Then again, I haven’t read much Bagge.

Starting next month I think I will be selecting a few comics to write about more extensively for these posts rather than doing the laundry list approach.

Annihilators #3 (Marvel). Rocket Raccoon rules. Super powerful super beings trying to best each other is fun when done with style and in a good nature. Nice work so far to Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, Tan Eng Huat, and Timothy Green et al for this mini.

Atomic Robo: Deadly Art of Science #5 (Red 5). Conclusion to the latest series, which is, if nothing else, indicative of how solid Brian Clevinger’s and Scott Wegener’s work, with Ronda Patterson and Jeff Powell, has become on this title. Funny. Smart. Action. Science. One of the most reliable reads I pull.

Avengers Academy #12, Avengers Academy: Giant Size #1, Avengers Academy #13 (Marvel). This trio of issues seems to have reignited A’s enthusiasm for this series. On the other hand, the “Giant Size” issue and #13 seem like stories that would have meant more before Young Allies was canceled.

Birds of Prey #11 (DC). A Secret Six/BoP crossover issue. Would hardly deny Gail Simone that conceit. Always like to see Helena/Huntress anchor a story.

B.P.R.D.: The Dead Remembered #2 (Dark Horse). This mini is developing some thoughtful character background for Liz that highlights the extent to which she is both of a generic type and distinctive at the same time. Looking forward to seeing how the historical piece is brought into the present and intertwined with Liz’s story.

Carbon Grey #2 (Image). The most helpful thing about this issue is the narrative summary on the inside cover. Still long on style.

Casanova: Gula #4 (Marvel Icon). Matt Fraction brings this arc to a gender bending conclusion (and maybe is an exception that proves the rule regarding what I write about Age of X below). Crazy James Bond-ish backup with Gabriel Ba in addition to the main story.

Hellboy: Buster Oakley Gets His Wish (Dark Horse). Mike Mignola adds alien abduction to the Hellboy-verse. I would like to see Kevin Nowlan on other Hellboy stories. I like that his lines are stronger than Mignola’s or Duncan Fegredo, and his figures more “realistic”, but that his Hellboy is still an homage to the character’s classic look: lanky and geometric.

I, Zombie #13 (DC/Vertigo). A is still enjoying this book with me, but maybe finding it harder to track as the narrative deepens. A new arc starts here, but one that builds on prior foundations. Need to wait-and-see where “The Dead Presidents” characters are headed.

The Li’l Depressed Boy #3 (Image). Most disappointing thing about this book so far is that A continues to resist reading it. Other than that, I am still impressed at how well Steven Struble and Sin Grace stay on the right side of the Nice Guy and the Manic Pixie Dream Girl with the two lead characters.

Generation Hope #6 (Marvel). Fast start to a new arc.

The New York Five #4 (DC/Vertigo). Done too soon.

S.H.I.E.L.D. Infinity (Marvel). In which Jonathan Hickman fills in some historical background to the vast story he is writing with this book. Dustin Weaver takes a break except for the cover.

Silver Surfer #3 (Marvel). Serves as a key turning point in the story.

Sir Edward Grey, Witchfinder #4 (Dark Horse). Zombies, demon dogs, a novel take on colonization of native peoples in North America. A good story.

Uncanny X-Force #7, #8, and #9 (Marvel). A tentative conclusion to the Weapon X/Deathlok/The World story and a couple of one-offs about personal demons (Betsy and Warren) and how things change (Magneto and Wolverine). Billy Tan works to maintain the high standard of the book, but he and Dean White’s art in #9 is more photo real than I would like to see, especially on a title that benefits from more expressionism in how it is drawn and colored.

Uncanny X-Men #535 and #536 (Marvel). Cool to read Kieron Gillen picking up on Joss Whedon’s Astonishing X-Men story, especially as a way to deal with Kitty’s return. Terry and Rachel Dodson are much welcomed after too, too much Greg Land.

Wolverine and Jubilee #4 (Marvel). Kathryn Immonen and Phil Noto bring their mini to close with some nice character moments and a story that tracks despite looking like it might have just been weird.

X-Men: Prelude to Schism #1 (Marvel). All prelude and build-up, which, I guess, is all that is promised, no?

Spider-Girl #6 and X-23 #9 (Marvel). Playing out the string with these titles. Who knows, maybe moving Jubilee and Noto to X-23 will make me change my mind about pulling that book.

Longer takes:

Age of X: Chapter 5 (X-Men Legacy #247), Age of X: Chapter 6 (New Mutants #24), and Age of X Universe #2 (Marvel). I suppose that it is inevitable that they pay off for these kinds of stories is never as exciting as the set up. Having written that, Mike Carey did excellent work in plotting out the story and letting unfold in a way that made sense and that told you something about the alternate universe in which the action takes place. The Universe books with The Avengers could have been better integrated into the main story. I’m not sure they tell you much of interest. What I would have liked to see is more stories like the Dazzler backup by Chuck Kim and Gabriel Hernandez Walta, which is interesting for the way it does integrate mutant and non-mutant elements of the construct in Legion’s brain, but also for the distinct art style.

I plan to address Angel #44, Angel: 100-Page Spectacular, Spike #7 and Spike #8 in a longer post on the IDW Angelverse.

TPBs:

DMZ Volume 10: Collective Punishment (DC/Vertigo).

Forthcoming.

Empire State: A Love Story (or Not) (Abrams). Jason Shiga’s new book is a charming work that spins the Nice Guy character by actually having him grow and making his love interest a fully actualized person with her own ideas about life. The different hues for the different lines of the narrative is an effective way to show Jimmy’s development at different stages of the story. Shiga’s art is, as always, highly expressive.

Neptune (Tug Boat Press).

Forthcoming.

Page by Paige (Amulet). I ordered Laura Lee Gulledge’s book because I thought it would be a good one to share with A, but I learned after the fact that she already had an advance copy that Anne-Marie picked up from ALA last year. So, we kind of did get to share, but not at the same time. In any event, it is hard not be drawn into Paige’s world. I appreciate how Gulledge keeps the story on the right side of sweet and precious; it seems perfect for the character. I am still thinking over many of the visual metaphors, which alternate between subtle and beautiful and pretty but ham handed. If these are meant to be Paige’s, that kind of unevenness seems appropriate. If they are meant for the reader, then that requires more assessment, I think. On the other hand, I know that it isn’t easy to come up with metaphoric imagery. In any case, a delightful book.

Secret Six: The Reptile Brain (DC).

Forthcoming.

Sleepyheads (Blank Slate Books).

Forthcoming.

Tiny Titans: Field Trippin’ (DC).

No longer the blast of pure joy it used to be, but still lots of fun. As always some of the best jokes involve parodies of the goings on in the real DCU. B’DG is adorable.

Rated Free for Everyone (Oni Press). One of two Free Comic Book Day offerings that I picked up from Oni. Both titles featured here have plenty of style, but not the kind of characters or stories that can still appeal to me as a an adult. I am thinking my nephew might like one or the other, though.

Spontaneous #1 (Oni Press). The more adult of the Oni titles for Free Comic Book Day. Brett Weldele’s art is plenty stylish, but Joe Harris’ story not quite enough of substance for me to decide to pull this one. Trade/wait, I think.

Top Shelf Kids Club (Top Shelf). Fun. Fun. Fun. Works in ways that the Oni all ages book doesn’t. Another great Johnny Boo from James Kolchaka, and I always enjoy having a reason to see another of Christian Slade’s Korgi and Andy Runton’s Owly.

The Dead Boy Detectives (DC/Vertigo).

Forthcoming.

Jenny Finn: Doom Messiah (BOOM! Studios).

A title I’ve thought about reading and would pick up a lot and finally did purchase on Free Comic Book Day. Looks and feels like an out of place B.P.R.D. or Hellboy mini, which is to say that it is pulp-y fun, but I will admit to hoping for something … different. My biggest problem, though, is with the lettering in chapters 1-2, which is tiny.

Madman: Oddity #1 and #2 (Image). Don’t know why I’ve overlooked this awesomeness from Michael Allred before, but I am happy that it is available digitally for me to read. Crazy, but low-key, existential fun and wry commentary on superheroes. More when I finish the mini.

Angel #42 (IDW). Elena Casagrande (with an “assist” from Emanuel Simeoni) is back on pencils and inks, giving the issue a kind of familiarity. Most interesting aspect of this month is the reintroduction of Illyria, post-transformation (see below).

Annihilators #1 (Marvel). This looked like it might be fun, so I pulled it. Main story is a looong prologue, but Dan Abnet and Tan Eng Huat (with Victor Olazaba and June Chung) keep things interesting by structuring the narrative around hand-to-hand combat. The backup with Rocket Raccoon is fastpaced and well set-up by Abnet and Andy Lanning.

Avengers Academy #9 and #10 (Marvel). A looks forward to this title every month, so the double issues in the box for March was a nice bonus for her. Christos Gage continues to show strong storytelling weaving together plotlines inolving both teachers and students.

B.P.R.D. – Hell on Earth: Gods #3. The last of Guy Davis’ big, weird beasts in the ongoing story. I hope to write more about Davis later.

Generation Hope #4 (Marvel). The new mutants catch a breather on Utopia. Kieron Gillen clearly has something big in mind with Kenji, and introduces some romance to the story. Still happy to be pulling this book.

Marvel Girl #1 (One-Shot) (Marvel). Part of a series of kind of strange tie-ins with the upcoming First Class movie; strange in the sense of involving characters who are not necessarily in the film. Not much new or interesting here.

The New York Five #2 (DC/Vertigo). After reading this, I find it hard to believe that four issues are going to provide any kind of resolution to the lives of the main characters. Brian Wood is hitting some interesting notes in Lona’s story and how some students react to being challenged in college.

S.H.I.E.L.D. #6 (Marvel). Remains fascinating to read and look at. The introduction of Michelangelo seems to bring the first chapter to a close.

Silver Surfer #1 (Marvel). One of my favorite characters from the Marvel Universe. Greg Pak writes an efficient introduction to the Surfer’s history, while also getting his voice right. Interesting premise.

Sir Edward Grey, Witchfinder: Lost and Gone Forever #2 (Dark Horse). Okay, so not a were-Buffalo, but still looking to be a wicked Victorian Western. Mike Mignola and John Arcudi include some nice meta-commentary on pulps, and John Severin and Dave Stewart effectively evoke a sparsely populated, but strange and dangerous Frontier.

Spider-Girl #4 (Marvel). Not sure about the latest plot twist, but I like how Paul Tobin is using the title to deal with superheroism on a day-to-day kind of basis. I like Matthew Southworth (Stumptown) as an artist, but many of the characters here end up looking older than they should.

Spike #5 (IDW). Brian Lynch writes a really weird dynamic between Spike and Willow, way too familiar with each other.

Uncanny X-Force #5 (Marvel). Rick Remender starts a new story line. I read the beginning twice to make sure I got the set up. Despite the change in art team, character design continues to be a strength of for the title. Probably helps that regular cover artist, Esad Ribic, is on pencils now.

Uncanny X-Men #533 (Marvel). Matt Fraction and Kieron Gillen find a new way to keep their main story interesting. Tired of complaining about Greg Land.

Wolverine & Jubilee #2 (Marvel). For me, stronger than the first issue, mostly because the story promised by the title begins to take off. Kathryn Immonen’s writing is sharp and poignant. Phil Noto’s character designs and artwork are gorgeous and real.

Longer takes:

X-Men: Legacy #245 (“Age of X” Chapter 1) and New Mutants #22 (“Age of X” Chapter 2) (Marvel). Mike Carey gets into the real story with this crossover, and I love the recasting of Rogue as “Legacy/The Reaper”. I also like what gets revealed about who Magneto has stashed away in high security prison. A very promising start, although like Kelly Thompson and Chad Nevett at CBR I am not sure that starting with last month’s Age of X Alpha issue was necessary or smart. Narratively, that installment does not provide much illumination; if anything it obscures certain aspects of the story that seems to be emerging. One thing I don’t understand about the character design for this world is how many of the characters are lacking for clothing (while at the same time looking far less porn star-y than anyone in Uncanny X-Men right now). A sign of deprivation or degradation maybe?

Angel: Illyria: Haunted #4 (IDW). This brings the mini to a close. Scott Tipton and Mariah Huehner wrote an interesting story that became my favorite Angel book, not just because the other titles are floundering in one way or another, but because they did something interesting with the character. How the changes they introduce play out in the main title is one thing I am looking forward to now. Elena Casagrande and Illaria Traversi draw some wonderfully cool and beautiful panels to show the new Illyria in all her glory. I should also add that Jenny Frisson’s covers have been gorgeous, and this month’s is the best.

Birds of Prey #10 (DC). Oracle dies so Barbara Gordon can live. In terms of the DCU this seems to mean that Barbara is recasting herself to work with a narrow circle of the Bat Family on the premise that Oracle got to be too much of a known actor to be effective. That wider work will be taken over by Proxy (a character I don’t know that well). This resolution opens a host of questions, such as, for starters, what happens when Proxy is in Oracle’s position? Won’t she also become a liability to herself in the same way? Or is she not as good at the job? And if that’s true, is it, in fact, better to “kill” Oracle? Best part of the issue: Black Canary and Huntress’ meet-up with Catwoman. Moments like that are why I pull this title.

Carbon Grey (Image). I picked this up on the basis of interesting-looking preview pages. The first issue is mostly set-up and prologue, some of which coheres and some of which does not. My fear is that the work will be more mythology than story. There is an amazing list of creators attached to this title in terms of numbers, a collective of five total, and whether that will prove to be a strength or not will only be seen in the coming installements, now that the set-up is done. The art, credited to Khari Evans, Kinsun Loh, and Hoang Nguyen, is gorgeous, and even playful in certain panels, but I wonder about the pastiche of influences in the design of the storyworld. I am most leery of what it will mean that WW I Germany seems to be a primary source of inspiration. Of course, that all depends on what our heroes are all about, and I’m not sure of that yet.

I, Zombie #11 (DC/Vertigo). The final page makes this out to be a chapter ender, and at an interesting moment, with a lot of stories and characters in flux. There’s a love for Eugene that is coming through in Michael and Laura Allred’s art that is becoming more and more important to the story as the title progresses. Chris Roberson and Michael Allred have also quickly morphed the book into an ensemble work, anchored by Gwen, but developing the other characters in their own ways, and not just in relationship to everyone’s favorite zombie gravedigger. I am happy that A and I read this together.

X-23 #6 and #7 (Marvel). Obviously, Mr. Sinister in female form will be resurfacing, and I don’t know what I think about that, but #7 is a good read. I think that titles like X-23, which attempt to develop a single character with more of a cult than a mass following, should have more issues like this, where there are connections into the larger story universe, but that are more about the main character than anything else. I also think that Sana Takeda’s art is a nice diversion, though too precious for more than an issue or two. The main theme for Marjorie Liu is Laura’s evolving sense of ethics. That also comes through strongly in both the interim conclusion to the Sinister narrative and the pirate story.

TPBs:

Astonishing X-Men Volume 6: Exogenetic (Marvel).

Given his interest in science and scientists, Warren Ellis is a natural match for an X-book, and thankfully it is one of the “boutique” titles rather than one caught in the mainstream of continuity. Love seeing Abigail Brand being put to good use, with only passing references to her romantic relationship with Hank. The payoff to this volume is somehow simultaneously interesting and underwhelming, which, to be fair, seems to be the characters’ reaction, too.

DMZ Volume 9: MIA (DC/Vertigo).

I always like seeing anthology stories in this series. Bringing in new artists and taking a moment to check-in on different characters and parts of the city helps to draw out the storyworld. But I am also interested to see how Brian Wood is showing Matty Roth’s maturity, and in the idea of someone deciding to personally hold themselves accountable for the mess that is New York (the fact that he is deferring that moment is important, I think, in terms of making him remain a fully developed and developing character).

Finder: Voice (Dark Horse).

My first venture into Carla Speed McNeil’s world, and I am looking forward to backing up and reading the earlier stories. The art is charming and vibrant, reminding me of the Hernandez Brothers in that way. The social dynamics of Anvard are complicated, and clearly draw on “our” world, but are deftly presented and part of a universe all their own at the same time. Rachel neatly encapsulates the tensions of contradictions of the story.

Freeway (Fantagraphics Books).

First off, I’m not sure that the back cover description does this book justice, at least in the sense that it seems to assume some clarity to the levels of reality represented that I’m not is definitive. Reading this book keeps you constantly off balance, in a way that is both frustrating and exciting at the same time, likely mimicking how Alex feels stuck in traffic. Mark Kalesniko experiments with a number of cinematic and comics conventions to transition between and connect levels of the narrative, and that also kept me reading forward, often past when I was ready to turn out the light and sleep. Puzzling over the nature of the different realities is one thing I am left with at the end of the book. Wondering why Alex is a dog is another.

Gotham Central Book 1: In the Line of Duty (DC).

My expectations were pretty high for this collection, which is probably why it took me awhile to warm up to it. The series takes off for me when the focus is placed clearly on Renee Montoya, and when I started to notice the Homicide homages. That latter insight is important not just for the cool, but also for how I reframed the book in my head as more of a police procedural and less of a badges and capes text.

Morning Glories Volume 1: For a Better Future (Image).

Forthcoming.

X-Men Forever 2 Volume 2: Scream a Little Scream (Marvel).

With this series ending this volume is a reminder of what I will miss most: Chris Claremont’s weird, but compelling efforts at sharpening and giving Kitty’s character a darker aspect. I also think it would have been interesting to see how the triangle of Mystique, Rogue, and Nightcrawler worked itself out. That being written the trade that follows this one is not a bad way to close.

Age of X Alpha (Marvel). Prologue. I like the anthology format for this character-based beginning to the cross-over (which, yes, I am going to follow).

Angel #41 (IDW). Another change in the art team. Sigh.

Atomic Robo: Deadly Art of Science #3 (Red 5). Turning into a coming of age story for Robo. Interesting, and Brian Clevinger and Scott Wegener capture the weirdness and awkwardness of the idea well.

Avengers Academy #8 (Marvel). I like how Christos Gage is bringing focus on the teachers as well as a the students. Adds narrative depth and texture. I do find the final page to be confusing as to who Tigra is wanting to kick out of the Academy, though.

Birds of Prey #9 (DC). Another month with a single group of artists. I like how Gail Simone allows Dinah to throw off her emotional paralysis by force of will. Consistent with how she writes that character.

B.P.R.D. – Hell on Earth: Gods #2 (Dark Horse). Rewinds to what led to the reveal at the end the first issue of this arc. And now I know that this is Guy Davis’s next to last B.P.R.D. More on that after this mini finishes.

Casanova: Gula #2 (Marvel Icon). Zephyr is looking to be the big bad, or primary protagonist. Family drama on a cosmic scale.

I, Zombie #10 (DC/Vertigo). Nice art of the UO campus.

Scarlet #4 (Marvel Icon). Unfolding as a big morality tale, and right now in kind of a holding pattern story-wise. Great cover by Alex Maleev.

Spider-Girl #3 (Marvel). Setting up a mystery for Anya to work on. I like the conceit with Sue Richards. Not liking the way the art is unsettled.

Uncanny X-Men #532 (Marvel). Greg Land manages to make Emma Frost look like a third-rate Bond girl from the Roger Moore-era on the cover. Matt Fraction and Kieron Gillen’s story remains interesting.

X-23 #5 (Marvel). Marjorie Liu does appear to be getting to tell a story about Laura, while also finding reasons for Gambit to be hanging around. Not crazy about Ms. Sinister strutting around in stripper-wear.

Wolverine and Jubilee #1 (Marvel). I did not follow the vampire story leading up to this mini, but I’ll give anything Kathryn Immonen writes a try. Good use of Jubilee here as someone caught between different desires and influences.

Longer takes:

Angel: Illyria: Haunted #3 (IDW). Scott Tipton and Mariah Huehner regain hold of Illyria’s voice, and I continue to like how this series is exploring both the character and important pieces of the Angelverse left by the cancelation of the show. In this case, the mythology of the Deeper Well as well as of Illyria herself. Elena Casagrande (pencils & inks) and Ilaria Traversi (colors) are effective at rendering characters that walk the line between photo realism and more classic comic art. Best Angel book going right now.

Hellboy: The Sleeping and the Dead #2 (Dark Horse). Not destined to be a classic Hellboy tale, I think, but the conclusion does not disappoint in terms of becoming more than the set up implies. If Scott Hampton were to do more art for the series, that would take some getting used to. His work is slick and clean in a way that the series usually is not. In particular, the figures often appear to be static, less fluid. This works well for the B.P.R.D. guys telling tales at the pub, but less well when the action is unfolding. Dave Stewart shows his versatility in working in a more literal mode than is normal for Hellboy.

Hotwire: Deep Cut #3 (Radical Comics). Steve Pugh and Warren Ellis bring the second mini to a satisfying close with lots of action and witty commentary from Alice, who ends up outsmarting everyone. This is exactly what you would expect, but how the story gets to that point follows a jagged path, not a straight line. Best line of the issue: “So everyone gets a medal, and I’m finally getting my own private army. First we take out the astrologists, then I’m coming for the homeo-paths”.

Uncanny X-Force #4 (Marvel). Rick Remender and Jerome Opena bring the first arc of the series to a taught, smart close. What makes this issue particularly intelligent is how it uses the characters, and their damaged psyches, to such good effect, legitimately creating doubt about whether the original mandate for the Force would be fulfilled or not. I also think that this series is a good argument for putting together consistent creative teams, at least for the run of individual arcs (and here that includes Esad Ribic and the awesome cover art). Not just the best X-book I read. One of the best series I am pulling right now period.

The New York Five #1 (DC/Vertigo). Ryan Kelly draws New York beautifully. Amazing detail, but still clearly drawn by someone, making his work distinctly different from Greg Land or Scott Hampton, while still being “realistic”. Scott Pilgrim-like reintroduction of the characters is clever, and one suspects deliberate on Brian Wood’s part, as his cast is in similar positions to that of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s series (a nod to Maddy from When Fangirls Attack and 3 Chicks Review Comics for highlighting this connection on the podcast).

Lastly, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight concluded for me last month. Read more about that here.

TPBs:

Cowboy Ninja Viking Volume Two (Image).

This second volume was not the same “can’t put it down” fun of the first. The wry asides and visual play with the multiple personalities are still there, but the story gets bogged down in too much of Grear and Nix fighting over Duncan, which is boring and sadly unimaginative. Women do think of things other than men, dudes.

Hawkeye & Mockingbird: Ghosts (Marvel).

Forthcoming.

Iron Man Noir (Marvel).

Forthcoming.

Secret Six: Cats in the Cradle (DC).

It has been clear from the beginning that Gail Simone sees Cat Man as the moral center for the team, and this collection would seem to indicate that I am not particularly invested in that idea. Thomas Blake’s “crossing of the line” only hit me to the extent that the accompanying art by J. Calafiore and Jason Wright made my stomach turn. On the other hand, the Black Alice and Ragdoll dynamic is funny and touching. John Ostrander’s “most dangerous game” take is so slight, and so broadly drawn that I’m not sure what it adds to the Six’s story. However, the collection ends with Simone’s dark, weird, and engmatic western, which elevates this trade to pretty well worth it.

The Sixth Gun Volume 1 (Oni Press).

I can see why this series is popular. Cullen Bunn’s story starts out conventionally, holder of a mystical artifact dies and it passes to an unsuspecting “innocent” who now must face her new fate. As the volume progresses, and the characters are developed, everything becomes more complicated than how it started. Brian Hurtt populates the Frontier with a host of fearsome-looking supernatural characters, but who are nonetheless recognizaeable within the framework of the Western.

Scott Tipton and Mariah Huehner have a good idea for a story started. Given how few episodes Illyria appeared in, I imagine that she is a good character to write. Getting the voice right remains hard.

Birds of Prey #8 (DC)

“The Death of Oracle” story continues and the title seems to have found some stability in the art. Gail Simone writes strong stories about the human/meta-human divide and this looks to be one of those, at least in part.

B.P.R.D. – Hell on Earth: Gods #1 (Dark Horse)

The new story starts fast with a cast of unfamiliar characters, but ends with an awesomely rendered final page. Guy Davis also designs a great-looking, though enigmatic, cover.

Casanova: Gula #1 (Marvel Icon)

Another new story starts. Lots going on, people intersecting from different timelines, and Casanova missing in one of them. Full of the kind of action and geekry I have come to expect from this title.

Generation Hope #3 (Marvel)

I am wondering where this title goes after all of the new mutants have been found and pacified by Hope. I suppose this issue is an indication, with them coming together as a team somehow, but that Kieron Gillen’s next story arc should be even more of an indication of this.

Hellboy: The Sleeping and the Dead #1 (Dark Horse)

Scott Hampton’s style is slicker than I am used to seeing on this title, but Mike Mignola’s story seems like creepy fun. Short mini.

I, Zombie #9 (DC/Vertigo)

Gwen and Horatio finally have a date, while the vampires scheme, Ellie gets jealous, and maybe rash, and Scott deals with his life. This is turning into quite the ensemble title.

S.H.I.E.L.D. #5 (Marvel)

Settles into kind of a conventional action thriller mode, unless you count all of the zipping around in time and space. This title is so strange, that I wonder that Marvel allows Jonathan Hickman and Dustin Weaver make it at all, especially since they are radically shaping the history of one of the Marvel Universe’s key institutions. And, yet, here it is.

Spider-Girl #2 (Marvel)

Quick, dramatic, and maybe not so positive turn in the story. I am guessing it will take a few issues to work through the implication sof what happens to Anya here. Less encouraging is the splitting of the art.

Spike #4 (IDW)

The point of this issue is pretty well revealed at the end. Drusilla remains a work in progress. I think that Nicola Zanni’s Dru can grown on me, but there is a lot of variation in how she looks here, with face and body not quite settled yet.

Uncanny X-Men #531 (Marvel)

I will say this about this title right now: as per my prior comments, I do not like Greg Land’s style. But it does work for Lobe’s alternate X-Men. The panel where they gather to go be heroes is well drawn, and the plastic-y, beautiful look works well for these wannabes. It still remains a problem for many in the main cast; I even think he manages to make Emma boring, despite the fact that she is a character who can also wear his style well.

X-23 #4 (Marvel)

So, Laura gets her own story after all. Maybe Marjorie Liu is finally getting some ownership now that “Wolverine Goes to Hell” is behind her. One thing I have noticed about this title is that covers are often oddly inappropriate. This month, we see X-23 in X-Force mode, but most of the time she is drawn as some kind of sexy fashion plate. None of these looks has had much to do with the stories.

TPBs:

Batman: Joker’s Asylum Volume 2 (DC)

Ordered this to scree for A, who loves Harley Quinn and likes the Batverse. On the whole, a reminder of how depraved Gotham is, but I also found Mike Raicht’s (writer), David Yardin’s & Cliff Richards’ (art) and Jose Villarrubia (colors) Killer Croc story to be strangely affecting, especially the by the time the next to last panel shows.

Marvel Masterworks: Uncanny X-Men Volume 3 (Marvel)

Forthcoming.

X-Men Forever 2 Volume 1: Back in Action (Marvel)

Fun-ish sideshow with Rogue and Spider-Man, and the reemergence of the Morlocks. Mystique. High soap opera. Pretty much what you expect from this series.

Probably the best thing I read this month. Beautiful, pop-y art from Jamie McKelvie and a story that nicely intertwines classic genre elements and fantasy with contemporary suburban ennui. Maybe moves too quick and crams too much in, and points towards sequels a little too broadly, especially if they never happen. What I like most about McKelvie’s art is how real it looks despite the simplicity. Renders well on my iPhone, except for the letters pages, which are next to impossible to read that way.

Elena Casagrande is replaced by Jason Armstrong, who, with Brian Miller on colors, gives the book a Saturday morning cartoon makeover, which I kind of like? A radical change like this, however admirable in the abstract, in practice, takes some time to get used. I found myself constantly pausing to remind myself who the characters are, none more than Kate, who looks nothing like her previous selves (brown hair and pearls?).

The storytelling is fine, but David Tischman and Mariah Huehner are forcing the dialogue, especially trying to make Angel quick-witted and Gunn sound “street”.

Atomic Robo #2 (Red 5)

More period fun as Robo tries to lead a double life, doing science and fighting crime. An exceptionally cool set of pin-ups is included in this issue, too.

Avengers Academy #7 (Marvel)

Christos Gage turns his attention to the teachers, especially Hank Pym. Continues to be a strong book.

Batwoman #0 (DC)

Bruce Wayne stops by to surveil Kate Kane and Batwoman. I agree with the discussion on 3 Chicks Review Comics that it might have been better to include this as part of the “Road Home” comics rather than billing it as a Batwoman prelude. For readers who did not read the Greg Rucka and J.H. Williams III Detective Comics run, this issue is probably useful as an orientation to Kate and Batwoman, but for anyone who had been looking forward to the start of the new ongoing series, it is probably a letdown, at least narratively, artistically, the back-and-forth between Williams and Amy Reeder works well.

Birds of Prey #7 (DC)

A new story arc begins with Oracle deciding she needs to fake her death because too many people know that she is Barbara Gordon (or vice versa, I guess). There’s one artistic team on this issue, Ardian Syaf (pencils), Vincente Cifuentes (inks), and Nei Ruffino (colors), which is good, and I am optimistic about what Gail Simone has started in this issue.

Black Widow #8 (Marvel)

Duane Swierczynski’s storytelling gains depth in this issue, mining the Cold War in more personal ways for Natasha/Natalia, and reintroducing Fatale as an ally. However, even if I were so inclined to go out buy Widowmaker, I’m not sure that this storyline is one I would choose to follow, or would feel that I could not afford to categorize as trade/wait. The art, from Manuel Garcia (pencils), Lorenzo Ruggiero (inks), and Jim Charlampidis (colors), is still pushing the soft core too much, but they avoid the worst excesses of the preceding issues.

B.P.R.D. – Hell on Earth: New World #5 (Dark Horse)

The first arc of the new series comes to a close and it comes around to Abe and Ben, and some further clues about what’s to come. A lot to look forward to from B.P.R.D. and Hellboy in 2011.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight #40 (Dark Horse)

The penultimate issue, and Angel kills Giles (also the Master), Buffy destroys the Seed of the World and seems to go catatonic. A lot to address in the next chapter.

Fringe: Tales from the Fringe #6 (Wildstorm)

A second mini-series comes to an end with a story about alternate Olivia, which is a nice touch. I assume that DC will continue to put these books out post-Wildstorm. No, they aren’t the best that comics has to offer, but for fans of the show, they are effective uses of the medium as an adjunct to TV, and the artistic standards are pretty high, higher than some ongoing series I read.

Generation Hope #2 (Marvel)

Kieron Gillen keeps the action in Tokyo, and Rogue takes center stage. I like Salvador Espin’s style, and Jim Charlampidis brings the same earth-y tones he does to Black Widow, but why does Rogue have to be drawn so that she is practically falling out of her top?

Hellboy: Double Feature of Evil (Dark Horse)

Richard Corben and Mike Mignola collaborate on a couple of classic horror stories. Not the strongest of their work together on this title, but I’m not sure that there is an ongoing series that does one-shots like this better than Mignola and his partners. I think any fan of horror and gothic literature could read this issue and enjoy it, not just Hellboy regulars.

I, Zombie #8 (DC/Vertigo)

Chris Roberson and Michael Allred continue to broaden this title into an ensemble piece, but without losing Gwen as its core. Fun sequence with the revived vampire in a UO hoodie. Nice to see when Eugene emerges in the story, rather than just being in the background.

Lady Mechanika #1 (Aspen)

So Joe Benitez’s series gets underway proper, and the writing is not as strong here as in the #0 preview. The Victoriana is more forced, but Mechanika herself remains well drawn and conceived, with a clear voice of her own. As well as she is handled, I wish that Benitez could have resisted introducing the female Commander now chasing Mechanika with such an overtly sexualized pose.

Murderland #3 (Image)

David Hahn draws a bunch of cool looking people doing … I’m not really sure, but they are really intent on it. I cannot follow the story here, and am even more confused by looking at the inside cover and seeing that somehow there are two stories going in this issue. Not sure what Stephen Scott has in mind here except riffing on cultural references to Baltimore.

Mystery Society #5 (IDW)

So the first (only?) story comes to a close. This title settled down into a genial mode, fun, but not over the top. The cast is a little large to be contained by a short run like this. I would like to see more for Fiona Staples’s art if nothing else.

Spike: What happens in Vegas, Slays in Vegas #3 (IDW)

Brian Lynch brings Drusilla into the story, and we get some confirmation that Beck has romantic feelings for Spike. The use and introduction of Dru shows how well Lynch gets these characters. More ambivalent about the way that Nicola Zanni draws the characters. Dru is too voluptuous, head to toe, than she should be. Looking at Franco Urru’s cover makes me wish he was drawing the inside, too.

Uncanny X-Force #2 & #3 (Marvel)

I am liking this title very much. Rick Remender is writing a story that taps into X-Men history, but not one that requires a PhD in the subject to grasp. The cast of characters is suitably dark and damaged, and Jerome Opena draws everyone as long, lean, and athletic looking, a nice change from the usual steroidal and pneumatic art you find in so many Marvel books (the one exception is Wolverine, who is short and stocky as he should be). Dean White’s colors tend to the gray, which fits the cast and the story. Now, if they could only get permission to get Betsy out of that bathing suit.

Uncanny X-Men #530 (Marvel)

Greg Land is back on pencils and so everyone looks like a model or porn star. Emma may wear this well, but for others, it is ridiculous (does anyone really imagine Scott Summers as looking like he just walked off of a photo shoot for men’s cologne?) Mostly, I find the uniformity of the characters to be boring, or even depressing in the case of the X-Men. These are supposed to be outcasts. If every mutant looked as plastic-y beautiful as they do here, wouldn’t more people want to be mutants, instead of rejecting them? On the other hand, Matt Fraction has a tight story this month.

TPBs:

Orc Stain Volume 1 (Image)

I enjoyed James Stokoe’s Wonton Soup books, and considered pulling this series monthly, but decided to wait for the trade instead. I’m not sure how this would read issue-to-issue, the pace is kind of laconic, even as the book does not lack for action, but Stokoe likes slacker dood characters, and his stories tend to move like they do.

The attraction here, as with the earlier series, is the world building, and Stokoe’s imagination seems to run riot with wild ideas for universes made almost entirely from organic material, making everything seem like it could either be food or something that eats. The color work here makes already jam-packed panels seem busy, but I suspect I just need to take a second look without having to follow the narrative as closely.

Despite the self-conscious masculinity of the story and the characters, the one notable woman in the book, Bowie Enocraz Yaramund, the “Poison Thrower”, is self-possessed and powerful in her own right (she even offers direct and indirect comment on the “love nymphs” who make up the remaining women you see). This is perhaps just a good illustration of what happens when an author sets out to write about men being men in a conscious and critical way, instead of presumptively.

Glad I got this. Another good example of what Neil Gaiman does well: asking questions about what characters like this and the stories we tell with them mean. I like how Lex Luthor is used as an organized crime figure more than as a super genius here. Dave McKean’s use of color and collage-like art helps to create different tones for different parts of the narrative. That being said, I’m not entirely sure what the thing means on the whole. Will reward on subsequent readings I suspect.

Global Frequency: Detonation Radio Volume 2 (Wildstorm)

Fast moving action and violence. Warren Ellis uses this volume to show more of Miranda Zero, who I remember as more of a shadowy figure from the first volume. Might work better as a movie franchise or TV series than as a comics series, more time on process, and less on the bloody finishes. Cool covers by Brian Wood.

The New X-Men: New Worlds Volume 3 (Marvel).

I am glad that I started picking these up. Having Emma and Jean together is interesting. Grant Morrison also does good work with the political and cultural themes of difference and acceptance, focusing both on non-mutants on how mutants perceive themselves and their place in the world.

The Perhapanauts Volume 1 (Image)

Not as much pure fun as Volume 0, but still an enjoyable team of misfits book. Todd Dezago and Craig Rosseau work their genres with skill, but there is a predictability to how characters develop and how stories unfold, albeit in a comfortable way.

Nyx: Wannabe (Marvel)

I read the Marjorie Liu written mini before coming to the original and I have mixed feelings about this collection.

I like the art, especially Nelson and Chris Sotomayor’s colors; light pastels are an interesting and unexpected choice for a book working so hard to be gritty and urban. I also like seeing a sustained story about mutants outside the scope of the X-Men (something I liked about the follow-up, too). It makes sense that not all young mutants coming into their powers would have the necessary adult support to keep them safe or to find their way to Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters.

On the other hand, Joe Quesada’s writing verges on exploitation fiction, especially in the Zebra Daddy character with his “street” slang, coke sniffing, sharp dressing, misogyny, and pimping. I think that Liu does a better job of getting into the lives of these young, virtually homeless mutants.

Wasteland Book 2: Shades of God & Wasteland Book 3: Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos (Oni Press)

It took me a few pages to get back into this series, to reorient myself to the characters and situations, but once I did, I had no doubts about immediately moving from Book 2 to Book 3. I like Christopher Mitten’s grey scale art, the sketchiness seems perfect for a story about a rebuilding world, and the flashback effect is subtle. Sometimes I find it difficult to distinguish between figures and faces, but by the end of both books, I could readily make out the principal characters. I think that Anthony Johnston does an excellent job of writing the narrative and dialogue that makes the world of Wasteland familiar and yet not at the same time.

I am not a regular reader of this title, and I almost did not order this issue, but once it registered that Paul Cornell was the writer, I thought it would be worth checking out. For most of the story, Cornell makes it seem like Lex Luthor has been dropped into The Sandman universe, and I found that part of the narrative to be compelling. The final few pages, where it reads more like Death being brought into the mainstream DCU, I found less compelling because I only vaguely understand what Luthor is talking about. I am also left feeling unsure about the resolution in terms of Death paying a visit to someone who isn’t dead, or even near death. That seems like a big liberty to be taking with the character.

Pete Woods’s and Brad Anderson’s version of death is also mixed for me. In close-up the art is often quite lovely, but when drawn from wider angles, her body goes through some weird changes in shape and proportion. I do think that the wide belt is a nice touch for updating the character, but without changing anything fundamental about her look.

The backup with Jimmy Olsen … all I can say about that is aliens who get drunk on oxygen seem entirely like something Nick Spencer would write. The retro futuristic look and feel of the art by RB Silva et al is fun, too, but I did not understand much of the context for this story.

Angel #38 and #39 (IDW)

Elena Casagrande appears to be the leading house artist, and that’s a good thing. Other than that, some wrapping up and a new start. Really just playing out the string with this book.

Angel: Illyria: Haunted #1 (IDW)

Scott Tipton and Mariah Huehner use the first issue of this mini to review Illyria’s biography and set up the story. Most importantly, they get her voice right, which isn’t easy. Few writers in these Angelverse comics have been able to get her cadence, and off kilter thinking, just right, but I think this issue is pretty close. More Elena Casagrande pencils, and I appreciate her ability, and inker Walter Trono’s ability, to render the characters in ways that look like the live action referents, but still making figures that look like comic art, and not bad photographs or something.

Atomic Robo: Deadly Art of Science #1 (Red 5)

All I will say this month is, “Atomic Robo, yaye!”, and that I am looking forward to the book getting back to a longer story arc.

Avengers Academy #6 (Marvel)

Again, I get this for A, but enjoy reading, too. That being said, weakest issue of the series so far for me. Probably because he is the ‘nice guy’ on the team, Reptil does not come across as the most interesting character.

Birds of Prey #6 (DC)

Also a weak outing. I was looking forward to a Huntress-centered issue, but Helena’s voice seems off (“Drippypants”, really?). While the art seems more setlled than it has in other post-Ed Benes issues, I am not liking the blow up doll lips on everyone, and some of the posing is overly softcore. On the other hand, Gail Simone’s reintroduction of Shiva, which I think most readers knew was coming at some point, is spot on.

Black Widow #7 (Marvel)

Most of what’s wrong with this title right now is summed up by the bottom panel in page 3. I also don’t understand why the basic plotline of the the first arc is being recycled here. Is the whole series going to be about Natasha being framed? I don’t doubt this is a problem for her, but still, there has to be more. The uncredited cover is pretty cool, though.

B.P.R.D. – Hell on Earth: New World #4 (Dark Horse)

I feel the need to hold off on writing too much about this issue, as it is the penultimate in the kick off for the reconstituted B.P.R.D. title, but the way the Wendigo reappeared in full view of Abe is worth noting and very interesting.

Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Oracle (one-shot) (DC)

Ironically, of the two single issue ‘event comics’ I got in this shipment, the one that was easiest for me to follow is the one in the ongoing series. As much as I realize that ‘one-shot’ only promises to resolve a particular story, something in the way these were marketed, led me to think it would be easy enough to read despite not really following the main Bat books. I was wrong. In any event, I took chance because Oracle + Marc Andreyko seemed promising, not because I am interested in the Bruce Wayne storyline. My mistake.

This issue might put the telling good stories about minor characters device a little too far, but still recommend the series to fans of the show.

Generation Hope #1 (Marvel)

Start of a new series, new mutants. Interesting enough kick off, and a nice prelude in the back.

Ghost Projekt #5 (Oni Press)

I started this subscription because I have become very interested in how the Cold War is being reassessed in pop culture, but I’m not sure that there is much unique or especially deep here, although I do appreciate that Joe Harris and Steve Rolston make the reader work to understand how the story ends. Probably need to go back through all five issues together for a real evaulation.

Hellboy/Beasts of Burden (one-shot) (Dark Horse)

Lovely. Sad. Maybe the best book I read this month. I only wish I knew more about the Beasts of Burden. Waiting for trade to come out for that series.

Hot Wire: Deep Cut #2 (Radical Comics)

This comic is the only reason I hesitated on whether the above is the best thing I read this month or not. Cracklingly fun. Full of smarts and action. I don’t know what the actual working relationship between Steve Pugh and Warren Ellis is on this title, but it has some of Ellis’s signatures, especially a fascination with science and the culture of scientists. Love it.

I, Zombie #7 (DC/Vertigo)

A new story arc starts. Lots of characters with their own threads. Starting to feel like more of an ensemble book right now. A and I continue to enjoy together. Thanks, Chris Roberson and Michael Allred for creating book I can read with my twelve year-old, even on Vertigo.

Mystery Society #4 (IDW)

I am beginning to feel as if the narrative is starting to spin its wheels without going anywhere. The Poe skull seems like a throwaway right now, but we’ll see. Would still buy just for Fiona Staples’s art.

Scarlet #3 (Marvel Icon)

The issue I am having with this series right now is the kind of corruption that Bendis and Maleev are exploring here does not seem to fit the setting. Portland has problems with police use of force, and racial tensions, but the drug money, dirty cops kind of corruption that Scarlet is fighting back against, not so much. This is weird because Bendis otherwise seems to get his adopted city pretty well in other respects.

Spider-Girl #1 (Marvel)

Very strong debut for this series. I am not entirely what the significance of Red Hulk is supposed to be at the end, but up to that point, I thought that Paul Tobin paced the story well and introduced the character in an effective way through a variety of settings and relationships. Clayton Henry draws Anya as a sensible and athletic teen girl. A nice change from some of the other art this month.

Spike #3 (IDW)

Still more fun and sharper than Angel right now. Still setting itself up, fwtw.

Uncanny X-Men #529 (Marvel)

Moving along the Emma, Shaw, Kitty story, pushing Hope forward. If I were more ambitious, I would go back to the previous issues and see if inks and colors were done by new people because Whilce Portacio’s pencils seem somewhat less irritating, better differentiation between characters, Emma less hag-y.

X-23 #3 (Marvel)

Well, I am entirely confused about the direction this title is going in. Write now the narratives are changing on a dime. This does not seem like Marjorie Liu’s fault, but is rather a result of editorial decisions requiring the book to service crossover stories. Making me wish she (and Daniel Acuna) were still on Black Widow.

TPBs:

CBGB (BOOM!)

Fun, works very hard to get the spirit of the subject right. Even though it took the most oblique approach to the club, on first reading, Kelly Sue DeConnick’s and Chuck BB’s quiet story stood out for me, but I also think the opening stories by Kieron Gillen and Marc Ellerby and Sam Humphries and Rob G set the tone of the collection well. I am thinking of devoting a future “Worlds in Panels” to this book.

Daredevil Bendis & Maleev Ultimate Collection Book 3 (Marvel)

The middle book of these giant collections took a more conventional turn, but here Bendis and Maleev are back to deconstructing their subject, attempting to explore what it would mean for someone to be superpowered and to take the law in their own hands, how different people might react to those individuals. The fact that Bendis is willing to be so open about this, the Hell’s Kitchen support group, to work into the narrative makes this even better reading. The opening arc that mixes art styles is lovely work by Maleev and Dave Stewart. I even found myself compelled by the “Ultimate” backups.

This book did not take off for me until Hamlet falls in with Falstaff and Juliette. I am glad that writers Conor McCreery, Athony McCall and penciler/inker Andy Belanger made Juliette as a counterpoint to Lady McBeth. While the latter is certainly made in the spirit of the original text, she also is a familiar female villain (dark, red, sexy, evil). Juliette, in the position of rebel leader, is not only less familiar, but has been given a very interesting story arc post-Romeo.

Koko Be Good (First Second)

Jen Wang writes and draws an engaging story about two very different people who nonetheless build a friendship. Koko is especially well rendered in a dynamic way, almost liquid, in how she moves and changes facial expressions. Jon, appropriately, is more grounded and staid. The open expressiveness of her characters is another admirable quality of the book.

Red Mass for Mars Vol. 1 (Image)

Yeah – still need to think about this one.

Saga of Rex (Image)

Wow. So delightful. I only have three of the Flight books, so this collection of Michel Gagne’s creation is wonderful to have. Gagne’s universe is beautiful and complex, but what really makes the story work is the expressiveness of his characters, vitally important to a book with no dialogue, and only ocassional narration.

X-Men: Nation X (Marvel)

I got this to fill in some of the gaps in my reading of X-Men: Legacy and Uncanny X-Men, but the real pleasure in the collection is the collected Nation X issues written and drawn by a variety of independent creators, Mike Allred, Becky Cloonan, and Marvel regulars who tend to work the margins of the publisher’s universe, like Christopher Yost. What makes these stories so refreshing is how free they are, free to explore characters without having to worry so much about servicing the larger narrative and selling issues of the adjacent X-title. I will also say that I find Greg Land’s style to be offputting. In all of the Uncanny X-Men issues featuring his pencils, the characters look like airbrushed models and actors. Who really wants that, especially when dealing with this cast of characters?